If Detroit does eventually sign Grant, or another other running back, Smith has one sentiment.

Bring it.

"It's a competition league," Smith said. "I can't speak for them (team's other running backs), but it won't matter to me. It's a competition league. I have a lot of respect for Ryan Grant. I actually love his game. Been playing in the same conference as him since I've been in the league.

"I have the utmost respect for him, but if he gets here, he'll just be another guy in the group. We're all going to compete and get this team better."

Grant would compete against Smith, Joique Bell and Keiland Williams for Detroit's third-string position. Lions running backs Jahvid Best and Mikel Leshoure are expected to compete for the starting job in training camp.

"I can't speak for the rest of the guys, but me, personally, it wouldn't have bothered me if they went out and drafted a running back," Smith said. "I'm going to bring my best, and at the end of the day, I think everybody feels that way. If you bring your best and it's good enough, it's going to be good enough.

"If they sign a guy or bring a guy in, and he's better, that's just God given ability. It is what it is. I'm confident in my ability, especially being healthy. I think I speak for the room that they're ready to compete with everybody in the room, much less bring a guy in and have to compete."